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The article discusses the topic of visits to and from extraterrestrials, arguing that such occurrences have never occurred and are unlikely to happen in the future. It highlights the physical and biological limitations that make interstellar travel nearly impossible for us and any potential alien civilizations. The article emphasizes the vast distances, the speed of light as a cosmic speed limit, and the challenges of prolonged space travel for humans.

The cover story is provided which discusses the Breakthrough Starshot spacecraft's mission to travel to the star Alpha Centauri, including the spacecraft's design composed of what are referred to as StarChips (which are computer chips), its photographing of extrasolar planets, and its use of light, or solar, sails energized by laser beams to travel. The role that billionaire entrepreneur Yuri Milner played in planning the Breakthrough Starshot mission is discussed.

"Starship will be on Mars within 5 years," Musk said, adding that "a future Starship, much larger and more advanced, will travel to other star systems." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on identical twins Gregory and James Benford, who developed and tested the use of sailships in interstellar space mission. Topics discussed include the ability of the sailships to harness power of light in the solar system, the electromagnetic radiation blasting, and the preference of Benford twins to use cheaper microwaves to power the sailships.

Looks at the prospects of a U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration plan to launch a mission called Terrestrial Planet Finder, a space telescope designed to detect another planet. Impact of the discovery on human history; Expedition or exploration challenges to another Earth; Views of engineer Robert Frisbee on interstellar travel.

The author focuses on the pursuit of physicist Marc Millis to develop an interstellar flight to reach another star. Topics include the lack of support received by an interstellar travel from research institutions in the U.S. and other countries, the challenges facing scientists in creating a workable starships, and the collaboration of the organization Tau Zero and the British Interplanetary Society for the interstellar travel mission called Project Icarus.

The article discusses predictions for human exploration and settlement of outer space. It is suggested that future interstellar travel depends on advances in space technology to accomodate the necessary high speeds, energy sources, and propulsion system improvements. Potential motivations for expanded space exploration are explored, including, glory, religion, and economic considerations.

The article discusses how to plan a route to the nearest stellar neighbour of the Earth and find a way through its own planetary system. The improvement of navigation satellites of the accuracy and position is said to be determined in three axes to within around three metres, without augmentation of some form. The need for a navigation to incorporate the means to validate its results against all unexpected contingencies because of the long duration of an interstellar voyage is also explored.

The article offers information on the first piloted space mission by China. It is noted that China is now close to starting the assembly of its modular space station, the country's first true space station, which will eventually comprise three main modules and be permanently occupied over a period of around ten years. It is noted that space station of China is based upon the latest technological achievements and is quite advanced especially in communications, networking and data management.

Focuses on the possibility of reaching Alpha Centauri. Need to test technologies for the probe; Drawbacks of interstellar missions; Limitation posed by the average life span of a scientist.

The article focuses on research theorizing on the use of the gravitational pull of black holes to help power interstellar spacecraft through use of powerful lasers aimed at the right angle which would gain energy from the black hole and return with more energy than it started with and accelerate the spacecraft to 1.3 times the velocity of the black hole.

The article discusses Breakthrough Listen, an interstellar exploration launched at the Robert C. Byrd telescope in Green Bank, West Virginia to search for intelligent alien life. Topics covered include funding of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) program by Russian billionaire Yuri Milner, evidence of distant technology, the laws of physics, existence of potentially habitable planets, the Mars One project, artificial intelligence, and the extinction of life on Earth.

The article discusses a computer simulation conducted by astronomers Frédéric Marin and Camille Beluffi which concluded that a crew of 98 people would be the minimum requirement to maintain a health population on a 6,000 year interstellar voyage to Proxima Centauri b, the closest Earth-lie exoplanet.

The article discusses the design of the communications system on the Project Icarus interstellar probe. It is noted that the target star system for Project Icarus is Alpha Centauri, which is a binary star system whose objective is to deploy probes to each of those stars and to any planets orbiting them. It is stated that the target data rate for the communications link from Alpha Centauri is 20 Gbps, which is significantly greater than for today's spacecraft within the Solar System.

The article focuses on the prospects of sending human explorers to Mars. Topics discussed include the history of Martian mission proposals beginning in the 1950s, the reduced funding experienced by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration due to the fiscal crisis, and the resulting decline in interstellar flight capability. The advancements in aeronautic technology, continued planning by space agencies, and continuing investments are mentioned.

The article discusses the possibilities for interstellar travel explored by U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Details related to U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) funded research for starship propulsion such as solar sails, beamed energy, and FTL (faster-than-light) warp drives are discussed. The author also comments on the economic, engineering, and time related challenges which have to be faced to send humans to another star system.

Information about topics discussed at the second annual 100 Year Starship Symposium held in Houston, Texas in 2012 is presented. The symposium aims to promote the technology needed to construct an interstellar spaceship. Topics include advances in force-field technology, the 90-year deep-space mission of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and wearing pieces of fabrics during the space mission.

The article looks at the space probes Voyager 1 and Voyager 2. Particular focus is given to the probes' exit from the heliosphere and their travels through interstellar space. The author discusses the technology used in the probes and on the data they collect and transmit, including data on the solar system's magnetic field. Project scientist Edward Stone is also discussed.

The article looks at the outlook for space travel within and beyond the solar system, as of 2012. It discusses various technologies that might be able to power long spaceship voyages, including nuclear fusion, nuclear pulses, and solar sails. It discusses the trend toward the formation of private space travel research companies, citing Space X, Planetary Resources, and Virgin Galactic. Resource extraction is discussed as an economic incentive for space travel.

The article discusses the possibility of interstellar exploration to the Alpha (α) Centauri system based on humanity's current level of technology and interest, and describes the history of travel beyond the Earth. The nearest star to the Sun is the red dwarf Proxima Centauri, but it has no known orbiting planets. Astronomers discuss nuclear fission versus fusion powered spacecrafts, the heath of people traveling in space, and the cost of constructing and maintaining the craft.

The article offers information on the Starship Congress held by the nonprofit organization Icarus Interstellar in Dallas, Texas in 2013. Topics discussed include the event's aim to develop designs for interstellar craft, spacecraft being constructed by commercial companies, and the Kepler space telescope of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Also mentioned is information on the Directed Energy Solar Targeting of Asteroids and Exploration (DE-STAR).

The article discusses the search for another planet that supports life to human beings. It involves the launch of space telescopes to find life-bearing planets and determine its inhabitation. A number of design studies on ships capable of interstellar travel is presented. According to Albert Einstein, traveling at close to the speed of light, slows time down for occupants of a spacecraft due to a phenomenon called time dilation which makes the said travel impossible. An overview on the possible creation of the Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) which requires the linking of several spacecraft together over a vast area to form a giant telescope is also offered.

The article discusses an April 12, 2016 announcement by Russian physicist and investor Yuri Milner to spend $100 million developing the technologies to launch a fleet of tiny interstellar research spacecraft to be powered by reflecting laser light from their reflective sails. Challenges to Milner's goals are identified including the scarcity and expense of laser light arrays capable of delivering the necessary gigawatt-hours of power.

Information about several papers discussed at the 2015 International Symposium of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) held in Irvine, California is presented. Topics include hoaxing and digital artifacts, interstellar travel, and mysterious airship travel in 1909. The symposium featured several speakers including Marc D' Antonio, Robert Schroeder, and Linda Zimmerman.

The author reports on the history of space flight in the United States, Russia and China, and the ways in which earlier space exploration is impacting space flight in the 21st century. Possible changes to space flight are discussed, such as astronauts exploring the moon and space tourism. Ways in which space shuttle design has changed over the years is mentioned.

This article discusses the drawbacks of an interstellar colonist. Setting aside issues of the costs of creating and fueling a colony ship, the hazards of interstellar flight and the dangers of living in the midst of a completely new biology on a newly colonized world, an interstellar colonist has higher standard of living than a 16th century sailor. The limited physical and intellectual capital of an interstellar colony means that, in all likelihood, the standard of living of the colonists will decrease.

Focuses on interstellar destinations. Appropriateness of light-year units in determining the distance of stars; Use of astronomical units for planet distances; Acceleration of a spacecraft reaching in the galactic center.

Focuses on the possibilities of interstellar travel for human in the near future. Technical challenges in the travel; Proposed designs for starships; Propulsion of solar sails.

Discusses the possibilities of interstellar travel. Goal of interstellar travel; Propulsion system needed for interstellar travel; Technologies available for the travel.

Argues against the presence of intelligent extraterrestrial life forms. Scientists involved in searches for extraterrestrial intelligence; Identification of living planets; Speculations on the behavior of technologically advanced sentient extraterrestrials; Challenges in interstellar travel.

Discusses the interest of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in interstellar exploration. Technological advances for spaces-based observatories and space shuttles; Information on the Breakthrough Propulsion Physics Program; Problem in inter-stellar travel.

Focuses on developments in space tourism. Description of projects to send people to space; Details of a competition to create the first piloted, reusable vehicle to reach 100 kilometers in altitude twice in two weeks with room for three people; Entrepreneurs who are funding space projects; Risk involved in space flight.

Details the research conducted by the United States National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) on a propulsion technology for interstellar travel. Measurement for distance in space; Fusion ramjet technology; Antimatter fuels.

Discusses the social aspects of interstellar missions, in order to enhance understanding of interstellar travel. Mission size; Role of space communities; Crews for multi-generation missions; More.

Discusses the prospect of interstellar space exploration and travel. Factors that hinders the realization of interstellar space exploration and travel; Examination on the reasons for the United States success and desire in space exploration during the 1960s; Realities of space travel and exploration.

Discusses the possibility of launching a mission to probe the space beyond the planets. Spawning of technology needed to go to the stars through trans-solar space; Measurement of positional changes of stars; Creation of reliable and autonomous space instruments.

Recommends books that relate the history of interstellar travel. Includes `Orphans in the Sky,' by Robert A. Heinlein; `As on a Darkling Plain,' by Ben Bova; `Foundation,' by Isaac Asimov.

Discusses various aspects of interstellar travel. Distance of the nearest star called Proxima Centauri; Mechanics of thermonuclear fusion; Opposition to the use of nuclear bombs in Earth's atmosphere; Procedure of propelling spacecraft using steady-power fusion reactor and Orion propulsion system. INSETS: `We're here!', by R.Z.;Fission and fusion facts, by Steve Miller..

The article examines the activities of U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Voyager 1 spacecraft as of March 2014. It states that Voyage 1 was launched in 1977, however the team behind it has not yet confirmed whether the spacecraft has reached interstellar space as they want to obtain enough data first and need to conduct more analysis. It notes that Voyager 1 is expected to keep exploring for 40,000 years more.

The article offers information on the controversial issues related to interstellar travel and the concept of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). It also features several articles that support the concept of interstellar travel including "Radioastronomy and Communication through Space" by Edward M. Purcell, The General Limits of Space Travel" by Sebastian von Hoerner and "Physics and Metaphysics of Unidentified Flying Objects" by William Markowitz.

The article reports on the confirmation by U.S. National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) that the Voyager 1 space probe left the heliosphere of the solar system for interstellar space in August 2012. It is predicted that the spacecraft will run out of nuclear fuel in 2025 near the Camelopardalis constellation. Voyager 1's exit from the heliosphere was indicated by increased galactic cosmic rays.

The article introduces a report within the issue about the September 2013 announcement by U.S. National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) that the Voyager 1 space probe had left Earth's solar system and would continue its exploration of interstellar space.

An interview is presented with U.S. National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) propulsion warp drive researcher Harold "Sonny" White. He describes the wormhole and space warp as exceptions to general relativity that could allow interstellar travel faster than the speed of light. He discusses his work on reducing negative energy requirements for warp speed travel. He notes that experiments to reproduce warp bubbles in the laboratory will not soon translate into interstellar missions.

Discusses books on interstellar travel written by science fiction author, Cordwainer Smith. "The Rediscovery of Man: The Complete Short Science Fiction of Cordwainer Smith"; "Norstrilia"; "Think Blue, Count Two".